Ivan Toney is a name that has been linked consistently with Manchester United over the past few months as a striker continues to be desired.
At the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday night, Ivan Toney was so very impressive as all four available Manchester United centre-backs struggled to contain him during the 1-1 draw.
He was an absolute menace and easily could’ve grabbed a goal or two, on top of his point-saving assist – as his nine shots on goal suggest, plus he even hit the woodwork.
While he probably had a great time toying with Erik ten Hag‘s defence, he was also likely using the game as an opportunity to evaluate the United team, amid links tying him to Old Trafford.
If this is the case, he won’t have been impressed.
He’d have been paying close attention to the service Rasmus Hojlund got, in order to see what he’d get at United. But the Dane was starved of creativity.
With Carrington one of Toney’s prospective destinations this summer, it won’t have been a good look.
Let’s discuss why…
What Ivan Toney will be thinking about a prospective Old Trafford move
Saturday night was arguably up there with the worst we’ve seen all season in terms of performance.
Not a single player looked interested, and that resulted in an attacking display which wouldn’t have left Toney desperate to make a move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Hojlund only really had one opportunity to score – despite grabbing 40 touches – even then it was by no means an easy one as he did well only for the Brentford keeper to make a top save.
With Toney believed to be on Ineos’ list this summer to strengthen the striker position, the chances probably took a real blow after that display, as Toney will be concerned about how many chances he’d actually get.
It’s hard to blame him either, the football was soul-destroying to watch.
He’ll probably even think himself better served remaining at Brentford at this rate, as he got a plentitude of chances and regularly does for Thomas Frank’s side.
So this may have put him off a United move, but there is another way of looking at it.
Toney might relish to challenge of Manchester United
While one way it might’ve gone was with Toney being put off, he might actually see it as a challenge.
To come in at Old Trafford where strikers have floundered for over a decade and thrive, he’d establish himself as a true top striker internationally.
This could be a risk worth taking, with Ineos arriving, things are likely to improve at United with substantial recruitment expected this summer.
Toney does strike us as the type of player who has self-belief through the roof, and while one might see Hojlund struggle and think better of a move, he might just think he can turn the clubs’ fortunes.
With multiple options expected to be on the table this summer for Toney, it’s anyone’s guess where he ends up, but after what he did to our defence over the weekend, we hope it’s United he’s signing for.